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    MACAO, Dec. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Monday that the past five years have seen successful implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems" in Macao.

    He made the remarks while attending the celebrations of the 5th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the second-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C front) attends a celebration gathering marking the 5th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the second-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region in Macao, south China, on Dec. 20, 2004. (Xinhua Photo/Li Xueren) Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, delivers a speech during a celebration gathering marking the 5th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland in Macao, south China, on Dec. 20, 2004. (Xinhua Photo/Li Xueren)

    Hu extended congratulations to Edmund Ho Hau Wah, who had just been sworn in as the second chief executive of the Macao SAR, the principal officials of the second-term government and the members of the Executive Council of the Macao SAR.

    The president said the central government has acted in strict accordance with the Basic Law and firmly supported the chief executive and the Macao SAR government in their law-based administration without interfering in the affairs within the autonomy of the Macao SAR.

    He added that under the Basic Law, the principles of "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy have been fully implemented in the Macao SAR and that all Macao citizens enjoy extensive freedom and democratic rights while fulfilling their due obligations.

    The original social and economic systems, the way of life, the cultural traditions and the features of Macao remain unchanged, henoted.

    Facts have proved that the principle of "one country, two systems" is entirely justified, and that it has already displayed,and will continue to display, its strong vitality, Hu pointed out.

    He said that the past five years have seen Macao society take on a new look. The Macao SAR government, headed by Ho Hau Wah, hasworked closely with the people of various circles, made innovative efforts to overcome difficulties and challenges brought about by the Asian financial crisis, a changing external economic environment and the SARS epidemic, and properly resolved a series of major issues crucial for Macao's overall and long-term development.

    Hu said that today Macao enjoys social stability, sustained economic growth and a peaceful and contented population. Facts have proved that the Macao people have the wisdom, ability and means to properly administrate, build and develop Macao, he noted.  

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